Off-grid tiny dwelling is inspired by boat design

Many people save money in building their own tiny dwelling, but some do invest more to hire a professional to do the job. Working for client Briar Hale, who didn't want the headache of figuring out everything on her own, ex-boat builder and carpenter Jeff Hobbs of Room To Move created this gorgeous home, using a number of off-grid technologies and skillful craftsmanship. Living Big in a Tiny House host Bryce Langston brings us on a detailed tour of this light-filled space:

Built out of structural insulated panels (SIPs), the home features a 600-watt solar power system and a water catchment system on the roof. Water is heated by solar collector and a woodstove. Interestingly, laundry equipment will be stored in a utility shed in the front -- a great way to save space and add functionality to a less-used space.

Inside, the home feels very spacious, thanks to the inclined roof and two skylights that allow light to pour in. Here, Hobbs' experience as a boat builder shines through in the meticulous details, and high-quality materials. Recycled woods and metals are also utilized, but have been refurbished to look like new. The sitting area is quite large, due to its L-section sofa, which hides a series of moveable wooden containers used for storage. The sofa cushioning and wooden modules can be moved around to create an extra guest bed -- a clever take on this feature that we see a lot in tiny homes.

Living Big In A Tiny House/Video screen capture

Living Big In A Tiny House/Video screen capture

The kitchen boasts a long counter that ends as part of a stair tread. A two-burner gas stove, equipped with an oven and a minimalist range hood, is used here. The bathroom has a regular shower that you can step into.

All told, the build cost USD $77,000 to build, which is quite expensive for a tiny home. But as Hobbs points out, it's the first time he's leveraged his years of experience as a boat builder and carpenter into building a top-notch tiny house, so he expects to build his next projects in a shorter amount of time, resulting in a more affordable price. In any case, it's a peaceful, beautiful and light-filled space, that's designed to be quite self-sufficient too -- a great example of a well-built tiny house. More over at Living Big in a Tiny House and Room To Move.